Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Bentonville, Fort Smith Southside advance in tourney.
we played like ‘Let’s go hunt, let’s go do some work.’ These girls are gritty. They are competitive. By gosh they figured it out today.”
The Mavericks pushed ahead midway through the fourth set buoyed by the late comeback in set three and finished off the win to get another chance at a championship.
Juniors Fitzgerald and Hannah Hogue, both Division I verbal commits, led the way with double-doubles for the 6A-Central Conference champions. Fitzgerald, a 6-foot outside hitter who is committed to Mississippi State, finished with a match-high 21 kills to go with 16 digs. Hogue, a 5-8 setter who has pledged to Arkansas, dished out 40 assists to go with 17 digs.
Aleigha Johnson, a 6-0 junior, also helped control the net with nine kills and a match-high nine blocks, while Kelsey Hamilton contributed 20 digs.
Har-Ber coach Cassie Loyd, also in her first season, said the difference was Southside played with confidence even in tight situations.
“They faced adversity well,” Loyd said. “When times got tough for them, they played loose and were really aggressive. I think in set three we got a little tight, almost a little tentative. We were almost afraid to lose that set. So it’s hard, especially after a set when you have 24-19 lead to come back and battle.
“I do think they fought hard and battled, but I think we battled to the last point. But you’ve got to give Southside credit for what they did tonight.”
Kat Cooper, a 6-1 sophomore, led Har-Ber with 13 kills and four blocks, while Kyler Greenlee and Natalie Williams chipped in with 11 kills each. Sophomore Caylan Koons dished out 27 assists and Liz Puente anchored the defense with 21 digs.
BENTONVILLE HIGH 3, FAYETTEVILLE 1
The Lady Tigers also shook off an opening-set loss to defeat the Lady Purple’Dogs for the third time this season and advance to the finals.
Bentonville got double-doubles from Savanna Riney and Trinity Hamilton to claim a 24-26, 25-22, 25-18, 25-18 victory.
Senior libero Kloey Eakin said the Lady Tigers were a little too keyed up to start the match. But they came together and focused well after the first set, Eakin said.
“We just need to in our hearts, just play and connect with each other,” said Eakin, who helped anchor the defense with 18 digs. “We just needed to take it slow and have energy but not too much. I feel like we were so excited that we didn’t take a breath. The other set we had our minds on putting the ball down and winning that set.”
Bentonville used a 10-0 run midway through the second set, then held off a late Fayetteville challenge to take that set. The Lady Tigers then broke away midway through each of the final two sets to finish off the victory.
Bentonville coach Michelle Smith said her team settled down after seeing a 23-21 lead turn into a 26-24 loss to start the match.
“Defense can win championships and our girls pulled through today,” Smith said. “I thought our serving game was on and that our front row took care of business. But our defense took care of business. They had each other’s back.”
Riney, a 5-9 senior, led the offense with 20 kills but also contributed 14 digs, while Hamilton added 13 kills and a match-high 23 digs. Maddie Breed also chipped in five blocks.
Fayetteville coach Jessica
Phelan said Bentonville’s strong service game made a difference in the match.
“Ultimately I thought we came out fighting really hard, and I don’t think that changed,” Phelan said. “They did a nice job serving and we got a little out of sync for a few stretches. Those stretches cost us momentum in the match. But proud of how these kids have come together this season.”
Rosana Hicks led the way for Fayetteville (28-7) with a match-high 22 kills. Gracyn Spresser finished with 17 digs and freshman setter Kennedy Phelan dished out 44 assists. Perry Flannigan also chipped in 13 kills.